calling down with top pair Ace?

[evain]

Hi sportsfans

I have been trying not to automatically raise with top pair and the like. ie like Sklansky says ... you could win nothing if you are way ahead and lose more if you are behind.

Party 5/10 10 handed (good, loose table)

Hero is button with As 4s

SB is 15/13/ 126 hands folds to steal 100%
BB is 52/19/1.5 48 hands limited steal data

All fold to Hero on the button who raises, SB folds, BB calls.

Two to the flop (4.5SB)

Flop: 7s 3h Ad

BB bets, hero raises, BB calls.

Two to the turn (8.5SB)

Turn: Kc

BB checks, Hero bets, BB calls.

Two to the river (6BB)

River: 5c

BB checks, Hero bets, BB calls.

Final pot (8BB)

My thoughts are ... I knew the SB was likely to fold, but was pretty sure the BB would call. Think a button limp may have been in order. Also, when he bets out it is most likely not an ace. Probably a draw, a 7 or a pocket pair. So, why not call and let him bet again on the turn. My raise may cause a hand like 44 or T7 to fold. I make nothing. But if he bets on the turn I call again. And on the river if need be - although I would bet if checked to.

This hand makes me think of the passage in HFAP which talks about a heads up hand which, on the flop, is pretty much going to be best or 2nd best at the river regardless of what happens.

Any thoughts?

[evain]

Hey guys what's wrong? Just because this hand is not being decided on the river for 30 big bets does not mean it is not important.

We don't discuss enough "normal" hands here.

Nobody has a view about open limping on the button? Please, these simple concepts can be important in the right situations.
evain

[Kristian]

I'm more used to a little bit lower limits, so read my comment with that in mind.
In my experience a lot of players will be very distrustful of a steal attempt and often call down with middle or pocket pair, which would make your play here sensible. Of course, you will loose to a better ace, but there are only two aces left in the deck, and BB could easily have a lot of other hands.

[Kristian]

On second thought I might check this river, depending on the opponent.

[TStoneMBD]

i take very passive lines in situations like this. i will call the flop, call the turn and call the river, or bet if checked to at any point. i think this maximizes your value unless youre up against a guy who will never fold any pair if you raise.

[chief444]

[ QUOTE ]
i take very passive lines in situations like this. i will call the flop, call the turn and call the river, or bet if checked to at any point. i think this maximizes your value unless youre up against a guy who will never fold any pair if you raise.


[/ QUOTE ]
I agree with this. If it's a draw heavy board though a lot of times I'll raise the turn. In this situation though on a A37 rainbow flop calling down seems fine.

[Catch of the Day]

I play it like you and then check the river. But I think making sure that a bet goes in on every street might be better. Call if he bets, and bet if he checks.

Catch-